East Africa

Citation:

El-Bushra, Judy., Asha El-Karib, and Angela Hadjipateras. 2002. Gender-Sensitive Programme Designe and Planning in Conflict-Affected Situations. Nairobi: Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development.

Authors: Judy El-Bushra, Asha El-Karib, Angela Hadjipateras

Abstract:

The project’s goal was to contribute to the reduction of poverty and suffering through enhancing gender-awareness in the design and management of development projects in contexts affected directly or indirectly by conflict. It aimed to achieve this by increasing understanding of the gender dimension of conflict, both for the humanitarian community and for development practitioners. The project ran from April 2000 to December 2001: field research was carried out in Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, Mali and Angola, with complementary desk studies for Eritrea and Rwanda. It builds on ACORD's experience of operating development programmes in conflict-affected areas, and on its research and policy development in the fields of gender analysis and conflict analysis.

Keywords: conflict, humanitarian aid, recovery

Annotation:

Quotes:

“This project sought to address two particular questions, namely how do gender relations change as a result of conflict? and how might conflict itself be fueled by aspects of gender identity? It also examined the strategic and research implications of these findings for project design.” (3)

“...in general, changes in gender roles at micro level have not been accompanied by corresponding changes in political or organisational influence.” (4)

“It could be argued that even where gender roles have changed, they have done so in line with existing gender ideologies. In this view, the increase in women’s economic responsibilities results from, rather than challenges, their role as family nurturers.” (5)

“Gender ideologies seem resistant to change even when their outward manifestations are re-ordered. Interventions aiming to take the opportunity of rapid change in conflict and post-conflict situations to encourage transformations in gender relations may therefore be unrealistic. Conflict may create space to make a redefinition of social relations possible, but in so doing it rearranges, adapts or reinforces patriarchal ideologies, rather than fundamentally changing them.” (5)

“...if gender analysis is to ‘dismantle patriarchy’, as one workshop participant put it, it needs to forego a narrow focus on women’s autonomy and instead adopt broader, more inclusive parameters. This would permit context-specific analysis of masculinity alongside femininity, and of the relationship of both to violence and militarisation.” (7)

Topics: Armed Conflict, Development, Economies, Poverty, Gender, Women, Humanitarian Assistance, International Organizations, NGOs, Post-Conflict Reconstruction Regions: Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa Countries: Angola, Eritrea, Mali, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda

Year: 2002

Citation:

Whittaker, Sara, Gillian Hardy, Kathryn Lewis, Linda Buchan. 2005. "An Exploration of Psychological Well-Being with Young Somali Refugee and Asylum-Seeker Women." Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 10 (2): 177-196.

Authors: Sara Whittaker, Gillian Hardy, Kathryn Lewis, Linda Buchan

Abstract:

The aims of this study were to explore individual and collective understandings of psychological well-being among young Somali (black African Muslim) asylum-seeker or refugee women. Three groups and five individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken and themes were identified using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes included resilience and protection; identity and beliefs; and concealment, distancing and secrets; which reflected acculturation, Islamic and Somali cultures. Spirit possession was explored in relation to culture and religion, mental health, protection and treatment. The women ‘get on’, cope with life, and value support from family, services and religion. However, the pressures to navigate conflicting and changing cultural and religious positions, and to conceal distress, frustrate accessing support. The young Somali refugees’ understandings of mental health and psychological well-being provide an insight for clinicians into the complexities of approaching services for help, and developing shared understandings transculturally. Clinically, the findings raise the paradox of how Somali women value support, yet also value concealment and fear disclosures. The variation and tensions reflected in the data from a small number of women highlight the importance of not stereotyping refugees, but exploring their individual beliefs and providing a range of service options.

Keywords: female refugees, mental health, counseling

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma, Religion Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Somalia

Year: 2005

Citation:

Schaal, Susanne, Nadja Jacob, Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu, and Thomas Elbert. 2010. "Rates and Risks for Prolonged Grief Disorder in a Sample of Orphaned and Widowed Genocide Survivors." BMC Psychiatry 10 (55): 1-9.

Authors: Susanne Schaal, Nadja Jacob, Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu, Thomas Elbert

Abstract:

Background: The concept of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) has been defined in recent years by Prigerson and co-workers, who have developed and empirically tested consensus and diagnostic criteria for PGD. Using these most recent criteria defining PGD, the aim of this study was to determine rates of and risks for PGD in survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide who had lost a parent and/or the husband before, during or after the 1994 events. 

Methods: The PG-13 was administered to 206 orphans or half orphans and to 194 widows. A regression analysis was carried out to examine risk factors of PGD. 

Results: 8.0% (n = 32) of the sample met criteria for PGD with an average of 12 years post-loss. All but one person had faced multiple losses and the majority indicated that their grief-related loss was due to violent death (70%). Grief was predicted mainly by time since the loss, by the violent nature of the loss, the severity of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the importance given to religious/spiritual beliefs. By contrast, gender, age at the time of bereavement, bereavement status (widow versus orphan), the number of different types of losses reported and participation in the funeral ceremony did not impact the severity of prolonged grief reactions. 

Conclusions: A significant portion of the interviewed sample continues to experience grief over interpersonal losses and unresolved grief may endure over time if not addressed by clinical intervention. Severity of grief reactions may be associated with a set of distinct risk factors. Subjects who lose someone through violent death seem to be at special risk as they have to deal with the loss experience as such and the traumatic aspects of the loss. Symptoms of PTSD may hinder the completion of the mourning process. Religious beliefs may facilitate the mourning process and help to find meaning in the loss. These aspects need to be considered in the treatment of PGD.

Keywords: mental health, posttraumatic stress disorder, genocide, widows

Topics: Armed Conflict, Ethnic/Communal Wars, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma Regions: Africa, Central Africa, East Africa Countries: Rwanda

Year: 2010

Citation:

Robertson, Cheryl L., Linda Halcon, Kay Savik, David Johnson, Marline Spring, James Butcher, Joseph Westermeyer, and James Jaranson. 2006. "Somali and Oromo Refugee Women: Trauma and Associated Factors." Journal of Advanced Nursing 56 (6): 577-87.

Authors: Cheryl L. Robertson, Linda Halcon, Kay Savik, David Johnson, Marline Spring, James Butcher, Joseph Westermeyer, James Jaranson

Abstract:

Aim: This paper reports a study identifying the demographic characteristics, self-reported trauma and torture prevalence, and association of trauma experience and health and social problems among Somali and Oromo women refugees.

Background: Nearly all refugees have experienced losses, and many have suffered multiple traumatic experiences, including torture. Their vulnerability to isolation is exacerbated by poverty, grief, and lack of education, literacy, and skills in the language of the receiving country.

Method: Using data from a cross-sectional population-based survey, conducted from July 1999 to September 2001, with 1134 Somali and Oromo refugees living in the United States of America, a sub-sample of female participants with clearly identified parenting status (n = 458) were analysed. Measures included demographics, history of trauma and torture, scales for physical, psychological, and social problems, and a post-traumatic stress symptom checklist.

Finding: Results indicated high overall trauma and torture exposure, and associated physical, social and psychological problems. Women with large families reported statistically significantly higher counts of reported trauma (mean 30, P < 0·001) and torture (mean 3, P < 0·001), and more associated problems (P < 0·001) than the other two groups. Women who reported higher levels of trauma and torture were also older (P < 0·001), had more family responsibilities, had less formal education (P < 0·001) and were less likely to speak English (P < 0·001).

Conclusion: These findings suggest a need for nurses, and especially public health nurses who work with refugee and immigrant populations in the community, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the range of refugee women's experiences and the continuum of needs post-migration, particularly among older women with large family responsibilities. Nurses, with their holistic framework, are ideally suited to partner with refugee women to expand their health agenda beyond the biomedical model to promote healing and reconnection with families and communities.

Keywords: female refugees, trauma, Torture, posttraumatic stress disorder, mental health

Topics: Age, Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Gender-Based Violence, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Torture Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Somalia

Year: 2006

Citation:

Nilsson, Johanna E., Chris Brown, Emily B. Russell, Supavan Khamphakdy-Brown. 2008. "Acculturation, Partner Violence, and Psychological Distress in Refugee Women from Somalia." Journal of Interpersonal Violence 23 (11): 1654-63.

Authors: Johanna E. Nilsson, Chris Brown, Emily B. Russell, Supavan Khamphakdy-Brown

Abstract:

This study examined the relations among acculturation, domestic violence, and mental health in 62 married refugee women from Somalia. Refugees from Somalia constituted the largest group of refugees entering the United States in 2005, and little is known about the presence of domestic violence in this group. The results showed that women who reported greater ability to speak English also reported more experiences of partner psychological abuse and physical aggression. Experiences of more psychological abuse and physical aggressions also predicted more psychological distress. Implications for future research and psychological services are addressed.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, domestic violence

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Domestic Violence, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health Regions: Africa, East Africa, Americas, North America Countries: Somalia, United States of America

Year: 2008

Citation:

Musa, Saif A., and Abdalla A.R.M. Hamid. 2010. "The Darfur Crisis: Associated Mental Health Problems among Internally Displaced Women." Journal of Muslim Mental Health 5 (1): 120-30.

Authors: Saif A. Musa, Abdalla A.R.M. Hamid

Abstract:

This study aimed at investigating the effects of the Darfur crisis on the mental health of internally displaced women; in particular, the traumatic events and resulting living conditions inside camps for internally displaced persons. It was hypothesized that a high prevalence of nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms would be found. Participants were 212 internally displaced women in Darfur between 15 and 80 years old. Participants were interviewed using two measures: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and another questionnaire specially designed to assess living conditions and relief services. Results showed that 72% of the participants were classified as nonpsychotic psychiatric cases. Findings also imply that living conditions inside camps need to be improved and security should be provided or enforced. 

Keywords: mental health, internally displaced people, trauma

Topics: Displacement & Migration, IDPs, Refugee/IDP Camps, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Trauma Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Sudan

Year: 2010

Citation:

Loewy, Michael I., DiAnna T. Williams, and Aster Keleta. 2002. "Group Counseling with Traumatized East African Refugee Women in the United States." The Journal for Specialists in Group Work 27 (2): 173-191.

Authors: Michael I. Loewy, DiAnna T. Williams, Aster Keleta

Abstract:

The Kaffa ceremony is a unique, culturally appropriate, group counseling intervention for female East African refugees. A counseling group is described in which the Kaffa ceremony was instrumental in helping to bridge the gap between Western counseling and East African culture, providing a context for the group members to resolve long-held trauma. Stages of group process and therapeutic factors are identified and ethical concerns are addressed. Recommendations for incorporating the Kaffa Intervention into professional practice with this population, as well as relevant information about the cultures, are provided.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, trauma, counseling

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma Regions: Africa, East Africa, Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2002

Citation:

Halcón, Linda. L., Cheryl L. Robertson, and Karen A. Monsen. 2010. "Evaluating Health Realization for Coping Among Refugee Women." Journal of Loss and Trauma 15 (5): 408-425.

Authors: Linda L. Halcón, Cheryl L. Robertson, Karen A. Monsen

Abstract:

Many East African refugee women have experienced torture and trauma while fleeing from their home countries. Many also experience high rates of isolation, depression, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder after resettlement. Effective methods are needed for improving the mental well-being of this population. This pilot study (N = 19) tested the feasibility, accessibility, and acceptability of a strengths-based, community-delivered intervention with Somali and Ethiopian women refugees. Feasibility was established through recruitment, retention, participation, and participant response. Accessibility was established through providing meals, transportation, and child-care assistance. Acceptability was established through evaluating translated materials, cultural congruence, and perceived relevance. Results support testing in a full-scale controlled study.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, Torture

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Refugee/IDP Camps, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Ethiopia, Somalia

Year: 2010

Citation:

Hagengimana, Athanase, Devon Hinton, Bruce Bird, Mark Pollack, and Roger K. Pitman. 2003. "Somatic Panic-Attack Equivalents in a Community Sample of Rwandan Widows Who Survived the 1994 Genocide." Psychiatric Research 117 (1): 1-9.

Authors: Athanase Hagengimana, Devon Hinton, Bruce Bird, Mark Pollack, Roger K. Pitman

Abstract:

The present study is the first to attempt to determine rates of panic attacks, especially ‘somatically focused’ panic attacks, panic disorder, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression levels in a population of Rwandans traumatized by the 1994 genocide. The following measures were utilized: the Rwandan Panic-Disorder Survey (RPDS); the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ); and the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Forty of 100 Rwandan widows suffered somatically focused panic attacks during the previous 4 weeks. Thirty-five (87%) of those having panic attacks suffered panic disorder, making the rate of panic disorder for the entire sample 35%. Rwandan widows with panic attacks had greater psychopathology on all measures. Somatically focused panic-attack subtypes seem to constitute a key response to trauma in the Rwandan population. Future studies of traumatized non-Western populations should carefully assess not only somatoform disorder but also somatically focused panic attacks.

Keywords: widows, genocide, mental health, trauma, depression

Topics: Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma Regions: Africa, Central Africa, East Africa Countries: Rwanda

Year: 2003

Citation:

Fontana, Alan, Brett Litz, and Robert Rosenheck. 2000. "Impact of Combat and Sexual Harassment on the Severity of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Men and Women Peacekeepers in Somalia." Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 188 (3): 163-169.

Authors: Alan Fontana, Brett Litz, Robert Rosenheck

Abstract:

The impact of combat and sexual harassment on the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is compared for 1307 men and 197 women peacekeepers who served in the same military units. A theoretical model was proposed to express the nature of the impact. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the model separately for men and women. Good-fitting, parsimonious models were developed that showed substantial similarity for men and women. For men, severity of PTSD symptoms was impacted by exposure to combat directly and indirectly through fear and sexual harassment. For women, severity of PTSD symptoms was impacted by combat indirectly through the same two influences, although the mechanisms involving fear and sexual harassment were somewhat different. For both genders, moreover, PTSD severity was impacted directly by exposure to the dying of the Somali people. These similarities suggest that in modern stressful overseas military missions, both genders may be susceptible to the same types of risk for the development of PTSD. The incidence and impact of sexual harassment is particularly noteworthy in the case of men and calls for more detailed investigation in future studies.

Keywords: sexual assault, posttraumatic stress disorder, peacekeepers

Topics: Armed Conflict, Combatants, Gender, Women, Men, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Peacekeeping, Peace Processes, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Somalia

Year: 2000